Exemptions to law on records advance

The Arkansas Senate on Monday approved three bills that would grant exemptions to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, and the Arkansas House of Representatives approved another bill to create such an exemption.

The Senate voted 23- 4 to approve Senate Bill 131 by Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch, which would exempt from public disclosure “a record or other information related to the operations, emergency procedure, and security personnel of the State Capitol Police.” The bill goes to the House for further consideration.

The Senate voted 30- 0 for Senate Bill 373 by Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, which would exempt from public disclosure “a record that constitutes attorney-client communication or attorney work product.” The bill goes to the House.

The Senate voted 32- 0 for House Bill 1469 by Rep. Dwight Tosh, R-Jonesboro, which would prevent the disclosure of an “Emergency Preparedness Manual” by Arkansas Community Correction, which runs the state’s parole and probation system. Such a document does not yet exist, according to a department spokesman. The legislation goes to the governor.

The House voted 77-7 to approve House Bill 1590 by Rep. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio, which would exempt information held by Arkansas State Police regarding the Governor’s Mansion from the Freedom of Information Act. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.